'Deis for Deval

Deval Patrick won the Democratic nomination for Governor of Massachusetts yesterday:

Deval Patrick, a Democrat making his first run for elective office and a bid to become the state's first black governor, beat two opponents in Tuesday's gubernatorial primary to win a place in November's general election.

Patrick, 50, headed the Justice Department's civil rights division under President Clinton.

...

If Patrick wins in November, he would be just the second black elected governor in the United States, after L. Douglas Wilder of Virginia in 1989. However, no Democrat has been elected governor in this bluest of blue states since Michael Dukakis 20 years ago.

Reilly and Gabrieli both conceded the race to Patrick before 10 p.m. EDT. With 35 percent of the precincts reporting, Patrick had 46 percent, Gabrieli had 29 percent and Reilly had 24 percent.

His opponents are Republican Lt. Governor Kerry Healey and moderate Independent Christy Mihos.

I'm fond of Deval. He's got all kinds of experience (other than the elected kind), he's dynamic, he's got charisma, he's generally progressive, and he could actually win against sixteen years of Republican incumbency. Kind of the Barack Obama of the Bay State.

My role in the Brandeis Democrats will probably put me on a number of canvassing/publicity events for the fellow. More information to come.

9/11 Five Years On

It's very late and it's been a long time since I've posted anything, but it didn't seem right to let this event pass me by.

I remember the day very clearly. I remember the unbelief and the confusion and the fear. It's a cliche, but I really do think that everyone in my generation will remember where they were when they heard that the towers had fallen.

So, now that we're five years after the day that was supposed to 'change evrything', we should ask: are we braver now than we were then? More wise? More understanding of the world we live in? 'Safety' and 'security' are such feeble, external things. The real strength comes from within.

So say a prayer, wave a flag, light a candle, honor the memory of this day however you see fit. But if adding another Event Day to your calendar was the only change you've made, try again.